Work on an affordable housing project in West Oahu is underway. But those working to build the 72 home subdivision aren't your typical construction workers.
Homeowners themselves are turning dirt for a groundbreaking event and for good reason. "There is a group of people who come together and help you build your house. And then you help build the next house and the next one and so on," said homeowner, Ginger Birch.
"And the families will literally build all the houses. They put in 32 hours a week of labor, and they help each other teams build the houses," said Claudia Shay of Self-Help Housing.
It's called self-help housing. The $14 million project is being funded by federal, state, city and private money.
What is now a large empty lot will someday house 72 homes, providing west Oahu families an affordable option. "You are not doubting what the benefits are. You are literally taking people out of extremely substandard homes, doubled up, maybe even homeless, but working and giving them a descent house. So, yes I'm very happy about the project," said Shay.
"It would mean a lot because we had been on the beach for seven years, and then we ended up going through the process. And now we're renting, but rent out there is expensive," said Birch.
"I know it's going to take maybe four to five months I believe for the construction, and I think the building will begin in August," said future homeowner, Jennifer Gomes.
It should take about a year to complete the first homes. They'll be fee simple and cost between $256,000 to $276, 000.
